Colchicine

Postcommissurotomy Syndrome, Pericarditis, Postpericardiotomy Syndrome + 4 more

Treatment

4 FDA approvals

3 Active Studies for Colchicine

What is Colchicine

Colchicine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Colchicine was approved by the FDA in 1961 and is a drug derived from the Colchicum autumnale plant, also known as the autumn crocus. It is used to treat gout, which is a condition that causes painful joint inflammation due to urate crystal deposits. Colchicine is also approved to manage flares of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a genetic disorder that causes inflammation.

Probenecid and Colchicine

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Colchicine Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Probenecid and Colchicine

Colchicine

1982

59

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Colchicine, commonly known as Probenecid and Colchicine, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses which include prophylaxis of Gout Flares and Gout Flares .

prophylaxis of Gout Flares

Gout Flares

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF )

Familial Mediterranean Fever

Effectiveness

How Colchicine Affects Patients

Colchicine is a drug used to reduce pain caused by gout and Familial Mediterranean fever flares. It works by blocking the pathways that cause inflammation, however it can be dangerous if not taken properly as its therapeutic index (the amount of a drug needed for it to be effective) is very small.

How Colchicine works in the body

Colchicine works to reduce inflammation by preventing cells from multiplying. It does this by blocking the mitotic activity of cells in the cell cycle, and by interfering with pathways that promote inflammation. On a molecular level, colchicine binds to tubulin, forming complexes that block the growth of microtubules which then stops cell multiplication.

When to interrupt dosage

The magnitude of Colchicine is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Gout Flares, Pericarditis and Postcommissurotomy Syndrome. The dose fluctuates in accordance with the method of delivery outlined in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Familial Mediterranean Fever

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

prophylaxis of Gout Flares

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Postcommissurotomy Syndrome

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Pericarditis

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Postpericardiotomy Syndrome

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Behcet Syndrome

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Gout Flares

0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Ointment, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Warnings

Colchicine has one contraindication and should be abstained from in cases of the conditions listed in the below table.

Colchicine Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Liver Disease

Do Not Combine

Liver Disease

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Colchicine.

Common Colchicine Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Choline C 11

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Choline C 11 can be decreased when used in combination with Colchicine.

Eliglustat

Major

The metabolism of Eliglustat can be decreased when combined with Colchicine.

Fentanyl

Major

The metabolism of Fentanyl can be decreased when combined with Colchicine.

Aclidinium

Minor

Colchicine may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.

Acrivastine

Minor

Colchicine may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.

Colchicine Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of colchicine in mice is 5.87 mg/kg. If someone takes too much colchicine, they may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration within 24 hours. Other dangerous complications can occur within 24 to 72 hours after ingestion, including organ failure and respiratory depression. To treat an overdose, doctors can use gastric lavage and other supportive measures. Unfortunately, there is no antidote to colchicine overdoses. To prevent overdoses, make sure children cannot access colchicine and keep in mind that dialysis is not very effective at removing the drug.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Colchicine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Colchicine?

Currently, three investigations are being conducted to assess the potential of Colchicine to provide prophylaxis for Gout Flares, Behcet's Syndrome and Postpericardiotomy Syndrome.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

prophylaxis of Gout Flares

0 Actively Recruiting

Behcet Syndrome

0 Actively Recruiting

Gout Flares

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Pericarditis

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3

Familial Mediterranean Fever

0 Actively Recruiting

Postpericardiotomy Syndrome

0 Actively Recruiting

Postcommissurotomy Syndrome

0 Actively Recruiting

Colchicine Reviews: What are patients saying about Colchicine?

5

Patient Review

4/16/2022

Colchicine for Inflammation of the Joints due to Gout

I got gout for the first time a few months ago and was prescribed Colchicine and Prednisolone. The relief came quickly, but so did the diarrhea.

5

Patient Review

6/27/2022

Colchicine for Gout

I took two pills after my initial attack, and then one more an hour later as the pain persisted. I then took two a day for the next three days, which worked wonders for me.

5

Patient Review

4/15/2018

Colchicine for Inflammation of the Covering of the Heart or Pericardium

I experienced diarrhea twice while taking this medication, but I know that it was just my body getting rid of all the toxins.

4

Patient Review

2/18/2021

Colchicine for Gout

I was diagnosed with gout about thirty years ago and have been managing it since then by diet and exercise. Recently, after eating shellfish and red meat, I flared up. Colchicine helped reduce swelling along with an over the counter NSAID for pain.

3.7

Patient Review

6/28/2020

Colchicine for Gout

Keep in mind that this isn't a pain medication, per se. It's specifically for gout attacks and it needs to be taken within the first 48 hours of the attack happening. With that being said, I've had great results with this treatment.

3.7

Patient Review

9/14/2022

Colchicine for Gout

I was recently diagnosed with gout and given Colchicine. The medication helped with the swelling and pain, but I experienced some severe diarrhea as a side effect. My doctor is monitoring my uric acid levels to see if I need to be on a maintenance drug.

3

Patient Review

2/14/2022

Colchicine for A Chronic Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder

I was recently prescribed this medication for autoimmune & inflammation. I've only taken it the last 2 days & had to cut my dose 0.6mg in half because it made me very sleepy. Anyone have this side effect?

2.3

Patient Review

6/7/2018

Colchicine for Gout

Unfortunately, I had explosive diarrhea about 15 hours after taking the first dose. Then again 30 minutes later. It's a good thing I was at home and not out--I would've needed to throw away my clothes otherwise.

2

Patient Review

1/24/2018

Colchicine for Gout

This drug didn't do much to relieve my gout pain, unfortunately. I was still in a lot of discomfort despite taking it for a week. Indomethacin provided relief within six hours, though, so I would recommend that instead.

2

Patient Review

9/21/2019

Colchicine for Gout

I found that this treatment did nothing to help my gout flare-ups. However, when I was prescribed prednisone in addition to colchicine by Urgent Care, the combination worked almost immediately. My regular doctor won't prescribe steroids, however, and each time I have an attack I'm unable to walk for a day because of the pain.

2

Patient Review

1/10/2022

Colchicine for Inflammation of the Joints due to Gout

I took this medication for four days when I had a gout flare-up. Unfortunately, it didn't provide any relief.

1.7

Patient Review

4/16/2019

Colchicine for Gout

I've tried colchicine before with limited results. I found that by drinking 3-5 liters of water per day and removing red meat from my diet, I was able to reduce the severity and duration of gout attacks. Additionally, taking 800mg every four hours during an attack has made life much more bearable. Not sure what will happen when I get older, but for now this is working well.

1

Patient Review

12/31/2017

Colchicine for Gout

Unfortunately, this drug didn't work for me at all. I have tried it twice now and still see no results. Indocine is the only medication that has been effective for my gout in the past.

1

Patient Review

6/7/2018

Colchicine for Gout

I started taking this medicine and very quickly developed intense knee pain. This got worse the longer I took the colchicine, but as soon as I discontinued use of the drug, my knees felt better again. I'm not sure if there's a causal relationship here, but I know that I won't be taking this medication again just in case.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about colchicine

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is colchicine used for?

"Colchicine is a medication used to relieve inflammation and pain. The medication can be used to manage gout flare-ups and prevent increased flare-ups when starting a new medication, such as allopurinol."

Answered by AI

Is colchicine a high risk medication?

"Colchicine is an alkaloid that comes from Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus, meadow saffron) and Gloriosa superba (glory lily). It is used to treat gout and some other inflammatory conditions. However, it is considered a high-risk medicine because it can be very harmful if not used correctly."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of taking colchicine?

"The following are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: black, tarry stools; blood in the urine or stools; a burning, "crawling", or tingling feeling in the skin; difficulty with breathing when exercising; a fever with or without chills; large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue; muscle weakness; numbness in the fingers or toes (usually mild)."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Colchicine